That's a bit of a toughy... what about self extracting files?

Maybe - IExpress might work for you

Yeah, that's true, you would need to have that. You might also want to look at this java tip - http://www.javaworld.com/article/207...ting-jars.html - not sure if you'd choose it over separating out the d/ls, but it's worth a shot to look at. And I can't really vouch for the method, but it seems like it might be a fix if you're worried about the system incompatibilities.

Best solution would be to provide an instructional page on extracting zip files.

I would more likely ask for a refund than download an executable from some strange website.

You could use a software program, yes it would be two different downloads, but that could be managed, its not difficult.

(from time to time I run into the what is a zip file how does that work)

I scratch my head, thinking how are they doing to do business online if they do not know how to manage digital files?

I would say that including instructions on your download page for how to use the zip is the best method. Zips are so common these days that (with some instructions) people should know how to use them.

There aren't really any alternatives if you want to send multiple files at once. You could try an installer, but that's just creating unnecessary mess, and the user probably still won't know where the files go.

One more alternative that might work is a self extracting archive. These are .exes that extract themselves to a given location once you run them, which sounds close to what you want. You can Google how to make them but 7zip and winrar can make them: e.g. How to Use 7Zip to Create Self Extracting excutables: 5 Steps

I agree with those who suggested that you should place instructions on the download page with a link to Winrar's website, in case they don't have it. If they have Winrar installed in their system, they're more likely knowledgeable with uncompressing these type of files.

To be honest, I find your question a bit odd.
Both Windows and Mac now natively support ZIP files. On either of those operating systems, you can just double-click on a ZIP file to open it without having to download any extra software. I don't get why anyone would get confused by that.

I would say rar is one of the best replacement for the zip file some people use tar too , but according to me zip is one of the best compression extension.

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I heard IExpress is pretty good.